During pregnancy, the uterine smooth muscle is quiescent. During the 9th month of gestation the uterine muscle becomes progressively more excitable. What factors contribute to the increase in excitability?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Progesterone synthesis by the placenta decreases. Progesterone maintains uterine quiescence during pregnancy by inhibiting uterine contractions. As progesterone levels decline towards the end of pregnancy, the uterine muscle becomes more excitable. Placental estrogen synthesis (Choice A) does not directly affect uterine excitability. Uterine blood flow (Choice C) is not a direct factor in uterine muscle excitability. Prostaglandin E2 (Choice D) actually increases towards the end of pregnancy, contributing to uterine contractions rather than decreasing excitability.